Infographic displays facts and information about stem cells, cord blood

Over 40,000 people have successfully stored stem cells with Smart Cells, however the industry is still relatively unknown and often subject to misinformation. In a bid to increase awareness and understanding of stem cell collection at birth, Smart Cells have created an informative infographic.

People have been working with Smart Cells, a stem cell collection and storage company, since 2000 to store their stem cells for the future health of their child and family. In this time, they have reached over 40,000 customers.

However Smart Cells are aware that there is misinformation out there around the collection of stem cells and how they are used. As a result, they have created an infographic which displays facts and information on the following:

• What stem cells are
• Why they are collected at birth
• How they are collected
• The difference between cord blood and cord tissue
• What stem cells can be used for
• Current research into stem cell use for the future

With the information in a graphic and easy-to-read format, they hope to reach more potential customers in order to broaden their understanding about what collection of cord blood and cord tissue at birth can offer them and to dispel any myths around it.

The first part of the infographic explains what exactly stem cells are: cells which have the potential to develop into various different cell types within the body including blood, bone, tissue and organ. The advantage of this is that they can be used as a repair and maintenance system in case of certain conditions in the future.

One worry many people have is that collection of cord blood or cord tissue may be painful or distressing to the mother or infant. The infographic explains how the process is in fact quick and completely pain-free, as well as highlighting the benefits of collecting immediately after birth as the umbilical cord contains a rich source of potentially lifesaving cells that have been left over from the placenta.

Finally it details conditions and illnesses that stem cells are already being used as a treatment for including leukaemia, cerebral palsy, sickle cell disease, Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, spinal cord injuries and thalassemia; and research areas including multiple sclerosis (MS), strokes and diabetes where we expect to see advancements in the future.